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An apparent rift in communications between the city of Quincy’s direction and Commissioner Keith Dowdell evolved into a topic of conversation at the regular July 17 meeting.

Dowdell motioned to begin the search for a new full-time city manager. Commissioner Micah Brown seconded this motion, but it failed. Commissioners Andy Gay, Derrick Elias and Daniel McMillan voted against beginning any searching for a new city manager, effectively extending Mike Wade’s interim status as city manager.

The Gadsden County School District earned two unprecedented A grades in this year’s state rankings. For the first time ever, Chattahoochee Elementary School, led by Principal Valencia Denson, and Havana Middle School, led by Principal Delshuana Jackson, received the highest letter grade possible.

This constitutes a clear improvement for both institutions. In both 2012 and 2013, Havana Middle School earned C grades. Chattahoochee Elementary School earned a D in 2012 and a B in 2013.

The City of Quincy made a decisive step in their latest consideration of public transportation options during the regular July 8 meeting.

Big Bend Transit currently operates the bus service for the city. Quincy pays $38,000 for the service and the county matches that amount. Quincy commissioners have expressed a desire to find a less expensive alternative.

From east to west, July 4 festivities blasted off in Gadsden County. With none of last year’s foul weather to dampen the day, a picture-perfect summer weekend unfolded to celebrate the nation’s revolutionary birth.

On the county’s eastern side, John Scott of Fly by Nite productions was busy presiding over an all-day concert in Havana.

A traffic stop for speeding turned into a multicar chase after a Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office deputy spotted two vehicles after midnight in Greensboro, northbound on Greensboro Highway. The cars were passing through a residential area marked at 35 mph. One was travelling at 45 mph, the other

Havana residents will now have the option of paying their utility bills online via credit card. During the town council’s June 24 meeting, city officials voted in favor of this new initiative that will give users a more convenient way to pay their bill online compared to limited payment options previously.

The Quincy City Commission moved quickly through a number of issues at their regular meeting June 24. Commissioner Keith Dowdell was unable to attend the forum in person. He contributed, however, via speakerphone throughout the session, allowing him to engage in discussion but not vote on motions.

With a 4-0 vote, the commission unanimously reappointed Jonathan Kent Robbins for another three-year term as the code magistrate for the city, as recommended by the city staff.